Celebrating Women in MRE: An Interview with Ashley Noseworthy
In an era defined by environmental urgency and a need for sustainable energy solutions, there are an increasing number of women who are pioneering innovation and making an impact. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate trailblazers like Ashley Noseworthy, President and CEO of Edgewise Environmental Ltd., whose journey exemplifies resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship.
Journey into Marine Renewable Energy
Ashley Noseworthy, CEO and founder of Edgewise Environmental, leads a marine environmental consultancy specializing in marine mammals, seabirds, and anthropogenic noise mitigation. With over 15 years of experience spanning environmental management and regulatory compliance across various marine sectors, including oil and gas, renewable energy, and academic expeditions, Ashley is a seasoned entrepreneur and project manager. Notably, Ashley has made significant strides internationally, particularly in the offshore sector, where she has held management, compliance, and training roles. Her notable accomplishments include being one of the first females in a management position permitted offshore within the Arabian Gulf.
Ashley’s journey into marine renewable energy began during her Master’s program in the UK, coinciding with the beginning stages of the offshore wind industry. Reflecting on her pivotal moment, Ashley recalls, “My focus in marine mammal acoustics brought me into that world. It was a fantastic experience, getting to network with people in industry as it was being developed.” During her studies, Ashley delved into the complexities of marine mammal acoustics in and around wind farm sites, an area of research that fascinated her and opened doors to the burgeoning offshore energy sector.
Empowering Women for Economic Growth
In discussing the role of women in advancing the marine renewable energy sector, Ashley emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and parity. “Women are essential to economic success.” she asserts. “As we develop, it’s essential to ensure fair and equitable representation in all aspects of the industry.” From trades to leadership positions and boardrooms, increased representation of women is not just a matter of diversity but a catalyst for industry growth and long-term sustainability.
Throughout her career, Ashley has championed initiatives aimed at empowering women in traditionally male-dominated industries. From mentoring programs to leadership development workshops, she has played a pivotal role in fostering a culture of inclusivity and equity within her own organization and beyond.
Breaking Barriers and Fostering Inclusivity
Addressing the existing barriers to entry for women in marine renewable energy requires a multifaceted approach. Ashley underscores the importance of early education in shaping perceptions and aspirations. “For children to know that you can be whatever you set your mind to,” she advocates for educational reform and programming that exposes young girls to diverse career paths, including renewables.
However, Ashley also highlights the often-overlooked demographic of mid-career professionals—women seeking career changes or re-entering the workforce after family commitments. “There should be more initiatives focused on mid-career professionals,” she asserts. “How do we make renewables an option for them? How do we create more opportunities for growth in leadership positions?”
In addition to educational outreach, Ashley emphasizes the importance of organizational policies and practices that promote gender diversity and support work-life balance. Flexible work arrangements, parental leave policies, and mentorship programs are just a few examples of strategies that can help remove barriers and create a more inclusive workplace culture.
Leading by Example
Ashley’s journey stands as a beacon of inspiration for women in marine renewable energy and beyond. Her commitment to environmental stewardship, coupled with her entrepreneurial spirit, has propelled her to the forefront of the industry. Whether through her work with Edgewise Environmental Ltd. or her involvement in industry organizations and initiatives, Ashley continues to lead by example, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.